Principal Database Architect – Data Platforms

Principal Database Architect – Data PlatformsLocation: St. Louis, MO – OnsiteJob SummaryWe are seeking a highly experienced Principal Database Architect / Senior Oracle Database Engineer to design, engineer, and operate enterprise database platforms while driving modernization, automation, cloud adoption, and database transformation initiatives.The ideal candidate will serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert across Oracle database platforms, contributing to enterprise database strategy while ensuring scalability, reliability, security, performance, and cost optimization.Key ResponsibilitiesOracle Platform Engineering & Lifecycle ManagementArchitect, deploy, and manage Oracle databases across OLTP, Data Warehouse, and mixed workloads.Work with Oracle 11g, 12c, 19c, and 23c environments.Lead engineering and operations of Oracle RAC, Data Guard, GoldenGate, and ASM.Manage the complete database lifecycle, including provisioning, cloning, patching, upgrades, and decommissioning.Drive standardization of database configurations, naming conventions, and deployment models.Exadata & Engineered SystemsLead operations and engineering for Exadata X6, X7, X8, X9, Exadata Cloud@Customer, and Exadata Cloud platforms.Plan and execute platform upgrades, consolidations, and legacy system decommissioning.Optimize workloads using Smart Scan, storage indexes, and I/O performance tuning.Partner with Oracle and other technology teams on patching, performance tuning, and technical escalations.Cloud Transformation & MigrationLead database migrations to OCI, AWS, and GCP.Execute migration strategies using GoldenGate, Data Pump, RMAN, and logical replication.Design hybrid and multi-cloud database architectures.Support cloud landing zones, network integrations, VPCs, transit networks, and private endpoints.Drive database cost optimization, resource right-sizing, and storage optimization.Database Automation & DBaaSDesign and implement Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) frameworks.Develop automation using Terraform, Ansible, Python, and Shell scripting.Integrate database workflows with CI/CD pipelines, including Jenkins and GitHub Actions.Enable self-service database provisioning, automated patching, and compliance enforcement.Build standardized templates and reusable automation modules.Performance Engineering & OptimizationConduct performance analysis using AWR, ASH, and ADDM.Perform SQL tuning, indexing, and execution plan analysis.Optimize high-throughput transactional, batch, and ETL workloads.Drive capacity planning, forecasting, and workload balancing.Observability & AI/ML IntegrationImplement enterprise database monitoring using Oracle Enterprise Manager, Foglight, Datadog, Prometheus, and Grafana.Support predictive failure detection and performance/capacity anomaly detection.Leverage AI and Generative AI capabilities to improve incident triage and operational efficiency.Collaborate with AI/ML teams on next-generation intelligent database operations and AIOps initiatives.Security, Risk & ComplianceImplement enterprise database security standards, including TDE, data masking, auditing, and access controls.Support SOX, internal audit, risk management, and compliance requirements.Work with database activity monitoring and risk management platforms.Implement secure authentication, SSO, and role-based access controls.Multi-Platform Database SupportCollaborate across heterogeneous database platforms, including:SQL ServerPostgreSQLMongoDB / DocumentDBRedis / NoSQL platformsSupport database consolidation and cross-platform migration strategies.Leadership & GovernanceServe as a technical lead and SME for Oracle database platforms.Mentor database engineers and drive cross-training initiatives.Partner with Architecture, Cloud Engineering, Security, and Application teams.Contribute to database governance, standards, RACI models, and intake processes.Participate in production support and escalation activities.Required Qualifications10+ years of experience in Oracle Database Engineering or Administration.Deep expertise in Oracle RAC, Data Guard, GoldenGate, and ASM.Strong experience with Exadata platforms, both on-premises and cloud.Strong performance tuning and troubleshooting experience in large-scale environments.Hands-on experience with OCI, AWS, and/or GCP.Experience with Terraform, Ansible, Python, and Shell scripting.Experience supporting highly available, mission-critical production environments.Strong enterprise database architecture and technical leadership skills.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Exadata Cloud@Customer (ExaCC) and/or Exadata@GCP.Exposure to AI/ML applications in database operations.Knowledge of Kubernetes, containers, and microservices.Experience with enterprise audit and compliance frameworks.Experience with database license optimization and cost modeling.Key CompetenciesEnterprise Database ArchitectureOracle Database EngineeringExadata & Engineered SystemsCloud & Hybrid InfrastructureDatabase Automation & DBaaSDevOps & Infrastructure as CodePerformance & Scalability EngineeringSecurity & ComplianceAI/ML & ObservabilityLeadership & Stakeholder ManagementDatabase Modernization & Cloud Migration